Slow Cooker Tomato Garlic Chicken
Description
This Slow Cooker Tomato Garlic Chicken is a simple, comforting dish made with tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory tomato sauce infused with garlic and herbs. As it slowly cooks, the flavors deepen, creating a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meal that’s perfect for busy days. Serve it over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs or breasts (boneless or bone-in)
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place chicken pieces into the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, garlic, onion, olive oil, and seasonings.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
- Cover and cook:
- Low: 6–7 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
- Stir gently halfway through if possible.
- Once cooked, ensure chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts.
- Use quality tomato sauce for best flavor.
- Sauce thickens naturally as it cooks.
Tips
- Sear chicken before slow cooking for deeper flavor.
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Servings
Serves: 4–6 people
Nutritional Info (Approx per serving)
- Calories: 280–350
- Protein: 25–30g
- Fat: 10–15g
- Carbohydrates: 8–12g
- Sodium: 500–700mg
Benefits
- High protein meal for energy and muscle support
- Low effort cooking with slow cooker convenience
- Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Great for meal prep
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thawing first is recommended for even cooking.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, but cook them down into a sauce first.
Q: What can I serve this with?
Pasta, rice, bread, or even over roasted vegetables.
